The Diamond DA42 M-NG: a versatile multi-mission aircraft designed to meet a wide range of operational needs with exceptional performance and reliability
The Oyo State Government will soon join the league of state governments that own aircraft with the State’s Executive Council’s (SEC) approval for the acquisition of two new aircraft at the sum of ₦7,763,360,000.
While the existing owners are already thriving in scheduled commercial aviation- Cally Air owned by Cross Rivers Government is operated by Aero Contractor Airline, Enugu Air owned by Enugu State Government is operated by XEjet Airlines, and Ibom Air is owned and operated by Akwa Ibom State Government- the Oyo state owned aircraft are for a far different purpose dubbed general aviation, but majorly to combat crime.
Engr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State
According to a media statement released immediately after the state’s executive council meeting on Wednesday, signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information, the procurement of the two aircraft is essentially aimed at combating banditry and other related crimes, such as abduction, being perpetrated in certain parts of the state.
Prince Oyelade said the sum of ₦7,763,360,000 was approved for the acquisition of “the two light aircraft, DA 42 MNG model”.
He said the aircraft were superior in Intelligence gathering, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and fitted with sophisticated gadgets with 3D camera capability as its able to identify targets from wide range altitudes.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information, Oyo State
The statement explained that the preference for the aircraft instead of helicopters was because they were less expensive to maintain, the spare parts were accessible, and also the Nigerian Air Force possesses a number of similar model which gives room for synergy.
The statement disclosed that the two equipment will be deployed to support the Amotekun security operatives, and other security agencies in the state with the view to flushing out bandits from their hideouts
It further highlighted that in the South West Security Architecture, the Amotekun of Oyo state had 2,500 strong work force, the highest number among its peers, possessed the highest number of vehicles put at 181, the highest number of motorcycles put at 450. And added that the Oyo state’s Amotekun operatives were the highest paid in the South West, with the least earning ₦116,000.
The Diamond DA42 M-NG
The light aircraft is a twin-engine, multi-mission aircraft known for its versatility and fuel efficiency, primarily used for special missions like surveillance and reconnaissance. It’s a popular choice for operations requiring extended endurance and reliable performance due to its modern technology and efficient design.
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